Thanks for the shout out, @orthomead.
Hi, @portoalegre. I just saw your question because orthomead used the "@" in front of my screen name which brought me back to this thread. Neil Antin @antinn can probably give you a far better scientific explanation of the causes, but my experience with record handling and static generally starts with looking for the cause, which is often friction- when you unsleeve a record (especially a new one in a too tight paper inner sleeve), wearing socks or shoes on a carpeted floor, which can easily create a charge. I work in bare feet.
Most wand vacuum RCMs can impart a charge if over-vacuumed. The difference between getting a record dry and charging it is a fine line; for that reason, I prefer using a point nozzle (like the older style Monks or Loricraft). Percy Wilson, who studied record cleaning back in the early ’60s, suggested leaving the record slightly damp, but I don’t do that. I do rinse, always, to remove the contaminants including residue of the cleaning fluid (which may be bound up with the contaminants).
I have no magic solution to eliminate static after that, apart from trying to avoid introducing a charge to the record, as described above. I typically do not use dry brushes, many of which- despite their claimed anti-static properties, simply move the surface dust around. For years, I’ve been using one of those air puffers- like the Giotto’s Rocket Blaster, or one Neil introduced me to (you can find it on Amazon) similar to the Giotto product but has a HEPA type filter on intake. It’s under 20 dollars.
I’ve also experimented with different aftermarket sleeves. The best "cheap" one is a translucent Japanese round bottom type made of HDPE--these can be ordered from a number of sources- they are fairly loose fitting and don’t shed like some others. The other thing I do once I resleeve the record is not to try and shove it back into the outer jacket. Instead, I use jacket covers (also HDPE, but some are very clear, like Mylar and heavier mil)-- Sleeve City sells one that is overlarge and meant for gatefold/double albums. This gives me room to replace the record outside the jacket--I add more protection between the back of the jacket cover and record by using the original inner liner (especially if it has artifact value) and will use stiff generic record jackets that you can buy in bulk (with a cut-out to see the label). That way, the record is protected, but you are not shoving the record back into a tight jacket which can, again, create a charge.
I have long had various iterations of the anti-static gun that is sold for this purpose, but rarely use it; people have found those piezo fire starters (for outdoor grills) do the same thing far cheaper. Those devices tend to impart a strong charge and at least the "gun" (Zerostat) is strong and often harder to use. I rarely have static issues once I’ve cleaned a record and handle it in the manner described. I also have a very good HVAC system and keep the humidity a little higher in the rooms upstairs where the records are kept.
Neil can add or correct anything I’ve said here with the science. My comments are just based on doing this a long time and being interested in the processes for cleaning and preserving the medium. Good luck!
